Retractable, self-securing support system

ABSTRACT

A retractable exercise system having a longitudinal axis, an expanded configuration, and a retracted configuration. The system may include a plurality of support bodies and a retractor. The plurality of support bodies may have a top support surface forming a continuous layer, a bottom support surface forming a first segmented layer, and a middle support surface forming a second segmented layer between the top and bottom support surfaces, and a plurality of interconnect areas having respective channels. The retractor may be positionable through the respective channels.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/157,124 filed Mar. 5, 2021, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Traditional exercise or fitness devices such as rolling mats present a variety of issues. Typical devices require manual rolling and unrolling, are bulky, and are prone to collection of dust and debris. For example, inwardly rolling a typical device forces an upward-facing or clean surface against a ground-facing or dirty surface, thereby contaminating the clean surface. Traditional mats require manual unrolling and rolling and are subject to plastic deformation and material breakdown, especially at each end. In particular, the edges of the mat are rolled forward or rolled up in a tightly curled position for storage thereby resulting in a permanently curved shape rather than a flat surface that is more suitable for exercise use. Traditional devices lack capabilities and portability, and they are unsanitary and unsuitable for use.

There is a need for the systems herein that provide improvements and advantages over traditional attempts. There is a need for the system herein that folds rather than rolls and provides a substantially flat surface rather an undesirably curved surface. There is a need for the system herein with a retractor for easy expansion and retraction of the system, and that is self-flattening, self-retracting, and/or self-securing to achieve and maintain respective expanded and retracted configurations. There is a need for the system herein that is configured to maintain a substantially flat exercise surface, avoid rolling and unrolling and associated permanent deformation, optimize cleanliness of its surfaces, and minimize collection of dust and debris. There is a need for a portable system with enhanced capabilities over prior attempts. The present disclosure provides solutions to these and other needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary system of the present disclosure, e.g., in an expanded configuration;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an exemplary system of the present disclosure, e.g., in an expanded configuration;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an exemplary system of the present disclosure, e.g., in an intermediary configuration;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of another exemplary system of the present disclosure, e.g., in an intermediary configuration;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary system of the present disclosure, e.g., in an intermediary configuration;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary system of the present disclosure, e.g., in an intermediary configuration;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary system of the present disclosure, e.g., in a retracted configuration;

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary system of the present disclosure, e.g., in an expanded configuration;

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of an exemplary system of the present disclosure, e.g., in an expanded configuration;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of an exemplary system of the present disclosure, e.g., in an intermediary configuration;

FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary system of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 illustrates a closer view of an embodiment of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 16 illustrates a closer view an embodiment of FIG. 15; and

FIG. 17 illustrates a closer view of another embodiment of FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exemplary support system may include a retractable exercise mat. The system may be configured to be collapsible and foldable. The system may utilize a retractor such as a pull mechanism. The retractor may be configured to quickly collapse the mat. The system may be configured to optimize cleanliness of its surfaces and minimize accumulation of debris.

Embodiments may be configured as single-layer or multi-layer systems. For example, the system may include one or a plurality of support bodies including panels forming bottom and top layers. The bottom layer may include shape memory materials, e.g., rectangular panels made from thin memory foam-type material. The top layer may include a thin, sturdy, and/or rubber panel, e.g., a thin and sturdy rubber layer. The bottom and top layers may be permanently or removably secured to each other. The support body, or bottom and top layers, may be configured to be thin, durable, anti-slip, and/or flexible. The support bodies may be evenly or incrementally spaced from each other.

In embodiments, the system may include one or more retractor. The retractor may be positioned along any longitudinal, transverse, or vertical axis of the system. The retractor may be positioned along, through, or around the support bodies. The retractor may include a unitary retractor or first and second retractors along opposing sides of the system. The retractor may be positioned on the bottom layer, top layer, or between the bottom and top layers. The retractor may weave through or around the support bodies. The retractor may be configured to self-retract or retract in response to a pull force of a user. The system may be configured to collapse with an inner surface or layer of the system protected from debris. The system may be self-securing to maintain a retracted configuration.

Embodiments may also include a series of support bodies. The support bodies may be connected by respective interconnect areas. The support bodies may include channels configured to receive a retractor through a middle portion of the system. The retractor may be configured as a collapsing or closing mechanism.

An exemplary system may include a retractable and/or self-securing exercise system. The system may include a plurality of support bodies. The plurality of support bodies may include first and second support surfaces, an interconnect area, and first and second channels. The system may include a retractor positioned through the first and second channels of the plurality of support bodies. The retractor may be configured to move the plurality of support bodies between extended, intermediary, and retracted configurations.

An exemplary method may be for using a retractable and/or self-securing exercise system. The method may include providing a plurality of support bodies having first and second support surfaces, an interconnect area, and first and second channels. The method may include providing a retractor positioned through the first and second channels of the plurality of support bodies. The method may include retracting the plurality of support bodies by way of the retractor.

In embodiments, a retractable exercise system may include a longitudinal axis, an expanded configuration, and a retracted configuration. The system may include a plurality of support bodies having a top support surface forming a continuous layer, a bottom support surface forming a first segmented layer, and a middle support surface forming a second segmented layer between the top and bottom support surfaces. The system may include a plurality of interconnect areas having respective channels. The system may include a retractor positionable through the respective channels.

An exemplary system may include a retractor arranged to move the plurality of support bodies to the retracted configuration in response to a pull force. The retractor may be arranged such that the plurality of support bodies move to the expanded configuration in response to release of the pull force. The retractor may include opposing ends with first and second carabiners.

For example, a system may include a top support surface, bottom support surface, and middle support surface arranged to form a plurality of gaps along the longitudinal axis. At least one of the respective channels may be formed by a paracord looped through a D-ring configured to receive the retractor therethrough. At least one of the respective channels may be formed by a paracord having split ends embedded relative to at least one of the top support surface, the bottom support surface, and the middle support surface.

A method may include providing a plurality of support bodies having top, bottom, and middle support surfaces, and a plurality of channels. The method may include providing a retractor positioned through the plurality of channels of the plurality of support bodies, moving the plurality of support bodies between an expanded configuration and a retracted configuration by way of the retractor, or a combination thereof. The method may include applying a pull force to the retractor to move the plurality of support bodies to the retracted configuration, releasing the pull force from the retractor to move the plurality of support bodies to the expanded configuration, or a combination thereof.

FIGS. 1-7 illustrate an exemplary system 100 including, for example, a retractable and/or self-securing support system. System 100 may include system 200, 300, or any portion or combination thereof. System 100 may take many different forms and include multiple and/or alternate components, structures, and arrangements. While an exemplary system is shown, the exemplary components are not intended to be limiting, and additional or alternative components and/or implementations may be used.

System 100 may be arranged as a retractable support system. As shown in FIG. 1, system 100 may include one or more support body 102, interconnect area 106, retractor 108, channel 109 (e.g., passage and/or ring), and extension member 110. Each of a plurality of support members 102 may connected by interconnect area 106, retractor 108, or a combination thereof.

With reference to FIGS. 1-2, one or more support bodies 102 may be configured as panels. Retractor 108 may weave in and out of support body 102. Support body 102 may support surfaces 102, 104. One or both of support surfaces 102, 104 may be configured as an outer or top layer. Support surfaces 102, 104 may include a scored, continuous, and/or seamless surface.

System 100 may include single-layer or multi-layer system. Support body 102 may include first or top support surface 104 (FIG. 1), second or bottom support surface 112 (FIG. 2), or a combination thereof. Support surfaces 104, 112 may include opposing outer surfaces of support body 102, e.g., a single-layer body (FIG. 3) or a multi-layer body (FIG. 4). Support surfaces 104, 112 may be interposed by one or multiple layers. Support surfaces 104, 112 may be interposed by one or more channels 109 (e.g., internal passages and/or external rings), configured to receive retractor 108, or a combination thereof.

System 100 may include an expanded configuration (FIGS. 1-2 and 8-9), an intermediary configuration (FIGS. 3-6 and 10), and a retracted configuration (FIG. 7). The expanded configuration may include a substantially flat or planar arrangement, e.g., without rolled ends. The intermediary configuration may include an accordion and/or linearly expanding arrangement. The retracted configuration may include a folded and/or stack arrangement. System 100 may collapse and expand between each of the expanded, intermediary, and retracted configurations, e.g., without rolling and unrolling.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, a plurality of support bodies 102 may be connected to each other in series by way of respective interconnect areas 106, retractor 108, or a combination thereof. As shown in FIGS. 2-3, retractor 108 may be secured at a first end of support body 102, positioned through each support body 102 and/or interconnect area 106, and extend from a second end of support body 102.

Retractor 108 may include self-securing features. Retractor 108 may be configured to move system 100 between the expanded, intermediary, and retracted configurations. Retractor 108 may be configured to collapse or retract the plurality of support bodies 102, e.g., as a collapsing or contracting mechanism. Retractor 108 may include a non-elastic, elastic, magnetic, shape memory alloy, hook and loop, or combination body. Retractor 108 may be configured to retract with a pull force of a user, automatically self-retract without or upon release of the pull force, or a combination thereof. Retractor 108 may be configured to retract the plurality of support bodies 102, e.g., by retractor 108, extension member 110, a pull force by a user, or a combination thereof.

Retractor 108 may be configured to pass through one or more channels 109. Extension member 110 may extend beyond support body 102 to serve as a retraction handle, e.g., as part of or separate from retractor 108. Channels 109 may include or form a longitudinal channel formed by one or more internal passage, external rings, or a combination thereof. Channels 109 may extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (L), a transverse channel extending substantially parallel to a transverse axis (T), a vertical axis extending along a vertical axis (V), or a diagonal axis as any combination thereof. Retractor 108 and channels 109 may respectively extend between, through and/or around support surfaces 104, 112 and support bodies 102.

Retractor 108 may be configured to secure and be positioned through and/or around one or a plurality of support bodies 102. Retractor 108 may be positioned around a middle, top, or bottom portion of system 100. Retractor 108 may be detachable or directly extended from body 102 to be positioned around support bodies 102. Extension member 110 may be positioned around support bodies 102, e.g., as part of or separately from retractor 108.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate an exemplary system 200, for example, including, for example, a retractable and/or self-securing support system. System 200 may include system 100, 300, or any portion or combination thereof. System 200 may take many different forms and include multiple and/or alternate components, structures, and arrangements. While an exemplary system is shown, the exemplary components are not intended to be limiting, and additional or alternative components and/or implementations may be used.

As shown in FIGS. 8-10, system 200 may be arranged as a retractable support system. System 100 may include one or more support body 102, interconnect area 106, retractor 108, channel 109, and extension member 110. Each of a plurality of support members 102 may connected by interconnect area 106, retractor 108, or a combination thereof.

Retractor 108 may include self-securing features. One or more retractors 108 may include a magnetic, hook and loop, elastic, magnetic, shape memory alloy, or combination body. Retractors 108 may be arranged as opposing pairs, e.g., on opposing support surfaces 104, 112. For example, retractors 108 may include magnetic or hook and loop bodies on opposing support surfaces 104, 112.

FIGS. 11-17 illustrate an exemplary system 300, for example, including, for example, a retractable and/or self-securing support system. System 300 may include system 100, 200, or any portion or combination thereof. System 300 may take many different forms and include multiple and/or alternate components, structures, and arrangements. While an exemplary system is shown, the exemplary components are not intended to be limiting, and additional or alternative components and/or implementations may be used.

Referring to FIGS. 11-12, system 300 may include one or more support body 102, interconnect area 106, retractor 108 (e.g., braided, filled, and/or reinforced cord), channel 109 (e.g., external ring strap), and clip 114 (e.g., carabiner). Each of a plurality of support members 102 may connected by interconnect area 106, retractor 108, channel 109, clip 114, or a combination thereof.

System 300 may be configured to move between the retracted and expanded configurations in response retractor 108. Applying a pull force to either or both ends of retractor 108 may move system 300 into the retracted configuration, releasing the pull force may return system 300 to the expanded configuration, or a combination thereof.

One or more retractors 108 and clips 114 may be used to secure system 300. Retractor 108 may be wrapped around support members 102. One or more clips 114 may be secured or hooked relative to each other or support members 102. Any combination of retractor 108 and/or clips 114 may be utilized to maintain the retracted configuration.

As shown in FIG. 13, system 100 may include a multi-layer system. Support body 102 may include a first outer or bottom support surface 104 (e.g., bottom layer), an intermediary or middle support surface 105 (e.g., middle layer), and a second outer or top support surface 112 (e.g., top layer). For example, surface 104 may include neoprene, surface 105 may include PVC closed cell foam, and surface 112 may include fabric. Support surfaces 104, 112 may include opposing outer surfaces of support body 102, may be interposed by support surface 105, or a combination thereof. Support surfaces 104, 105, 112 may be continuous or segmented surfaces, or a combination thereof.

Referring to FIG. 14, support surfaces 104, 105, and 112 may include, receive, or be attached to one or more channels 109, clip 114, or a combination thereof. Clip 114 may include split ends configured to be embedded between support surfaces 104, 105, and/or 112. Channels 109 and/or clips 114 may be configured to receive retractor 108. Clip 114 may include a gate that is moveable between a closed configuration (e.g., closed clip 114 a), an open configuration (e.g., open clip 114 b), or a combination thereof.

Channels 109 and/or clip 114 may include or be formed by passages (e.g., through support surfaces 104, 105, and/or 112), rings (e.g., D-rings), straps (e.g., coreless paracord), fasteners (e.g., carabiners), or a combination thereof. As shown in FIGS. 11-14, clip 114 may include a carabiner. As shown in FIG. 17, channel 109 may include coreless paracord looped through a D-ring and having split ends adhered or embedded between support surfaces 104, 105, and/or 112.

As shown in FIGS. 15, 16, and 17, system 300 may include interconnect areas 106 to streamline the expanded and retracted configurations. Support surfaces 104, 105, 112 may be arranged to form one or a plurality of gaps 117 along the longitudinal axis. Gap 117 may be formed by support surfaces 104, 105 having leading ends 120 a, 120 b, e.g., tapered, flat, or alternating between mitered and flat. Support surface 112 may include slack protrusion 118, e.g., adhered to tapered leading ends 120 a, 120 b. With reference to FIG. 17, retractor 108 may be positioned through channel 109 connected to support surfaces 104, 105, and/or 112.

Any portion of the systems, apparatuses, methods, and processes herein may occur in any order or sequence. Certain components or steps may occur simultaneously, others may be added, and/or others may be omitted. This disclosure is provided for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments and should in no way limit the claims.

This description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided would be apparent upon reading the above description. The scope should be determined, not with reference to the above description, but with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Future developments will occur in the technologies discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. The embodiments of this disclosure are capable of modification and variation.

All terms used in the claims shall be given their broadest reasonable constructions and their ordinary meanings as understood by those knowledgeable in the technologies described herein unless an explicit indication to the contrary is made herein. Use of the singular articles such as “a,” “the,” “said,” etc. should be read to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary.

The disclosure is provided to allow the reader to ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure, but it should not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Various features of this disclosure may be grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure, but the claimed embodiments shall not be interpreted as requiring more features than are expressly recited in each claim. The inventive subject matter of the claims lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A retractable exercise system having a longitudinal axis, an expanded configuration, and a retracted configuration, the retractable exercise system comprising: a plurality of support bodies having a top support surface forming a continuous layer, a bottom support surface forming a first segmented layer, a middle support surface forming a second segmented layer between the top and bottom support surfaces, a plurality of interconnect areas having respective channels; and a retractor positionable through the respective channels.
 2. The retractable exercise system of claim 1, wherein the retractor is arranged to move the plurality of support bodies to the retracted configuration in response to a pull force.
 3. The retractable exercise system of claim 1, wherein the retractor is arranged such that the plurality of support bodies move to the expanded configuration in response to release of a pull force.
 4. The retractable exercise system of claim 1, wherein the retractor includes opposing ends with first and second carabiners.
 5. The retractable exercise system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the top support surface, bottom support surface, and middle support surface is arranged to form a plurality of gaps along the longitudinal axis.
 6. The retractable exercise system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the respective channels is formed by a paracord looped through a D-ring configured to receive the retractor therethrough.
 7. The retractable exercise system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the respective channels is formed by a paracord having split ends embedded relative to at least one of the top support surface, bottom support surface, and middle support surface.
 8. A retractable mat having a longitudinal axis, an expanded configuration, and a retracted configuration, the retractable mat comprising: a plurality of support bodies having a top support surface forming a continuous layer, a bottom support surface forming a first segmented layer, a middle support surface forming a second segmented layer between the top and bottom support surfaces, and a plurality of interconnect areas having respective channels.
 9. The retractable mat of claim 8, wherein the plurality of support bodies is arranged to move to the retracted configuration in response to a pull force.
 10. The retractable mat of claim 8, wherein the plurality of support bodies is arranged to move to the expanded configuration in response to release of a pull force.
 11. The retractable mat of claim 8, further comprising a retractor that includes opposing ends with first and second carabiners.
 12. The retractable mat of claim 8, wherein at least one of the top support surface, bottom support surface, and middle support surface is arranged to form a plurality of gaps along the longitudinal axis.
 13. The retractable mat of claim 8, wherein at least one of the respective channels is formed by a paracord looped through a D-ring.
 14. The retractable mat of claim 8, wherein at least one of the respective channels is formed by a paracord having split ends embedded relative to at least one of the top support surface, bottom support surface, and middle support surface.
 15. A method comprising: providing a plurality of support bodies having top, bottom, and middle support surfaces, and a plurality of channels; providing a retractor positioned through the plurality of channels of the plurality of support bodies; and moving the plurality of support bodies between an expanded configuration and a retracted configuration by way of the retractor.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: applying a pull force to the retractor to move the plurality of support bodies to the retracted configuration.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: releasing a pull force from the retractor to move the plurality of support bodies to the expanded configuration.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the retractor includes opposing ends with first and second carabiners.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein at least one of the top support surface, bottom support surface, and middle support surface is arranged to form a plurality of gaps.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the plurality of channels is formed by a paracord looped through a D-ring. 